Yearn for an urn? Big ones snatched up

French porcelain has been popular since the 18th century, and large urns still sell quickly at antiques shops and shows.

French porcelain has been popular since the 18th century, and large urns still sell quickly at antiques shops and shows.

By the end of the 18th century, large urns were made to be used in large rooms with high ceilings or in gardens. Those that look like a large flowerpot on a pedestal held plants or flowers. Most were placed on the floor.

Those that narrowed at the top and had a cover and elaborate decorations were strictly ornamental and were placed on a table or mantel to be admired.

The original old urns made by the Sevres factory are the most desirable and most expensive, but Sevres-style urns also sell.

Urn prices range from a few hundred dollars to more than $10,000. The most popular designs are masses of flowers or landscapes that include well-dressed people.

Q: I know about Teco pottery and its matte green vases, but I just heard that the company also made tiles. Is that true?

A: Yes. A color ad in a 1913 catalog shows a variety of tile murals and single tiles used for trim made by Teco. Earlier black-and-white ads show different tiles.

Teco advertised that it made “architectural terra cotta, Teco and garden pottery and wall, floor and art tile” until 1917 or later.

Current prices

Prices are recorded from antiques shows and sales nationwide.

• Muncie vase, blue drip glaze, handles, 7 3/4 inches, $50.

• Pepsi-Cola fountain pen, celluloid, circa 1930, 4 7/8 inches, $100.

• Mother’s Day Lladro figurine, 9 inches, $235.

• Bergere leaf-shaped earrings, metal, stamped, 3/4 inch, $295.

Terry Kovel, an authority on collectibles, writes for King Features Syndicate. Visit her at www.kovels.com.